Tip Tuesday: How to Say “No Plus Ones”
Are you trying to keep the guest list on the smaller side or are you working with limited space? No plus ones is a great way to work within your budget or capacity contracts!
You should invite guests who are in long-term, committed relationships with their significant others. But for friends who are casually dating or single, you don’t have to invite them with plus-ones – again, as long as you’re consistent. Of course, those who are living together, engaged, or married should be invited as couples – even if you have yet to meet the significant other. Herea re a few tips to navigate plus ones!
Address the Invitations Accordingly
To make who has a plus one clear, address your invitations to EXACTLY who is invited (Mr. John Doe vs. The Doe Family). You can also add a line to your RSVP cards that indicates how many seats you have reserved in their honor.
Blame the Budget
If a guest asked to add on a plus one you can simply say “It was really difficult for us and we really wanted to invite everyone, but due to budget constraints, we had to keep our guest list to just close family and friends.” Usually, once you mention that it was a budgetary issue, people will understand.
Call Guests Directly
If guests are adding uninvited names to their RSVP it’s best to call them directly. Let them know that you noticed that they added additional people to their response cards, but unfortunately due to budget and venue capacity constraints, you will be unable to accommodate them. They should be understanding, but if they put up a fuss, simply say that you really can’t make any exceptions and that you hope they will still be able to celebrate with you. In very few cases, a guest may choose not to attend your wedding in protest – unfortunately, you’ll have to accept it and focus on the close family members and friends who will be with you on your wedding day.
“I am calling to let you know we received your RSVP and I see you have marked down that you will be bringing a date. At this time we don’t have the space for your guest but if you would like I would be happy to add their name to a list and call you if someone can not come”